Sign of defeat to come: During warm ups, the Rockets looked a little too sure they were going to win, and from what I could see where I was sitting, I'm pretty sure they were smack talking the Hawks amongst themselves.

Best music choice: The Hallelujah chorus when the refs finally called a penalty on the Rockets for delay of game with three mintues to go in the first period.

Random tidbits for small talk at cocktail parties: The number of shots in the third period was 19 (Ryan's jersey number). All the penalties tonight were two-minute minors. Four of Portland's goals were scored in the second period (like I said, it's magic).

First goal, first star: Ty Rattie was named the night's first star for two assists and for getting the festivities underway with the Winterhawks' first goal of the game, about seven minutes into the second period. He let it rip right into an open net on a perfect set up from Sven Bartschi. Personally I would have given it to him for the quasi-boarding bumps on the noggin he took while down his knees trying a clear a puck out late in the third period. Don't remember the Kelowna player, don't care. But yet again, it wasn't called. Shocking, I know.

Why stop there: Craig Cunningham scored just over 2 minutes later to put the Hawks up 2 -1.

The sign of hat tricks to come: After Kelowna tied things up at 2-2, Ryan Johansen scored Portland's third goal. It was his third of the playoffs. He then racked up Portland's fourth goal with 8.5 seconds to go in the second period.

If you have seven in your jersey number, please step forward and score: Joe Morrow (#7) scored his first goal of the playoffs with the Winterhawks' fifth goal, with assists to Nino Niederreiter and Riley Boychuk (#17). Well, ok, if your jersey number is 22, you can help out too.

Good things come to those who wait: In the third period, with 1:37 remaining, Ryan sealed Kelowna's fate by scoring the Winterhawks' sixth goal on a power play, which was also his first career hat trick. As I had predicted, even though it took a while it happened in the highest of style. And props to his teammates too. The mark of any good team is their loyalty and unselfishness. And that the Winterhawks were. You could see in those waning minutes that his teammates were trying to get him the puck, knowing it was probably his last shift of the night. It's only fitting that a player who is known for being a bit of a late bloomer took his time reaching this pinnacle. He did it in exactly the right game, in exactly the right way, at exactly the right time.

Parting shots: It's all about Ryan. Sort of.

1) I love it when my humblest of opinions and predictions are right. You. Go. Boy.

2) Note to Kelowna: gloating is not only unsportsmanlike and unattractive, it's usually a sign the better team is going to come back and kick your ass.

3) The Columbus Blue Jackets may have missed the playoffs yet again, but they have seen the future. And its name is Ryan Johansen. It cost them an entry level contract valued at $900,000 before Gatorade commercials and what not. I've met the NHL's future and it only cost me $12 on booster club pizza night. But I have seen the same thing, up close. Behind the great plays and great hat tricks is a great player and person.

A player's first career hat trick, first goal, first fight, first whatever are special. Ditto for draft day. Portland is lucky to have been part of more than a few choice moments in Ryan's young career. This time next year, hopefully we'll all be wearing our Columbus Blue Jackets customized Johansen jerseys. But until then, the future is still ours and we'll take the one with the Winterhawks logo on the front, thank you very much.